Nattapong Westwood

Nattapong Westwood is a Bangkok-born writer who is half Thai and half Aussie. He studied in an international school in Bangkok and then pursued journalism studies in Melbourne. Nattapong began his career as a freelance writer before joining Thaiger. His passion for news writing fuels his dedication to the craft, as he consistently strives to deliver engaging content to his audience.
  • Thailand NewsNeigh-saying no more: Horse racing chief urges PM to reopen track after four-year hiatus

    Neigh-saying no more: Horse racing chief urges PM to reopen track after four-year hiatus

    Sunthorn Paengpairi, head of the Horse Racing Association in Nakhon Ratchasima, appealed to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to reopen a local horse racing track which has been closed for four years. This long-term closure has significantly impacted the livelihood of around 400,000 individuals involved in the industry, leaving them in severe hardship and without means to support their families. On…

  • Thailand NewsThai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Thai mechanic found dead in sewer highlights lethal risks of heavy drinking

    Tragedy struck when a 44 year old mechanic, known for his drinking habits, was found dead in a sewer in front of Wat Khae School, located in Pak Klong Bang Pla Kod, Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. The incident was reported today, December 8, at around 7.30am by residents and the local authorities. The tragic discovery was made…

  • Thailand NewsLoan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    Loan sharks circle in: 65 year old business owner seeks refuge in Chon Buri

    A 65 year old business owner in Chon Buri approached the Saaih Mai Tong Rod coordination centre at 10.40am today, seeking assistance after being ruthlessly pursued by loan sharks. The business owner, Chai, borrowed just 30,000 baht but has ended up paying over 3 million baht in interest. His lenders, a total of 29, have forced him to become a…

  • Thailand NewsThai health official’s family embroiled in 50 million baht corruption case

    Thai health official’s family embroiled in 50 million baht corruption case

    Public Health Minister Chalnan Srikaew today revealed a corruption case involving a senior official from the Department of Medical Science, her daughter, and her son-in-law. The trio was involved in fraudulent activities, falsifying documents, and misappropriation of funds causing over 50 million baht in damages. Chalnan yesterday received a report from Yongyos Thamwutti, the acting director of the Department of…

  • Thailand NewsThai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family

    Thai man robs store for 900 baht to buy rice for sick family

    A Thai man was arrested for robbing a convenience store using a fake gun, tearfully confessing he had no money to buy rice for his sick mother-in-law and wife. The 24 year old, Thanawut Thiapthanom, admitted to the crime, stating he also used drugs to help him work longer hours and earn more money. He was tracked and seized by…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai teacher accused of falsifying meal allowances, not redistributing school meals

    Chiang Mai teacher accused of falsifying meal allowances, not redistributing school meals

    The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) clarified allegations against Chaiyayot Suktho, a special senior teacher (Grade 3) at Yang Pao School, Aom Koi district, Chiang Mai. Chaiyayot was not accused of redistributing school meals to underprivileged students but of falsifying meal allowances, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade subsequent audits. Chaiyayot continues to volunteer at Yang Pao School without a salary,…

  • Thailand NewsLoan dispute escalates into violent altercation in central Thailand

    Loan dispute escalates into violent altercation in central Thailand

    A debtor, who had previously complained to the Crime Suppression Division about being attacked with a knife and having his teeth knocked out, has been informed that his case is not progressing. The police superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station clarified that the incident was not related to illegal lending but was a case of assault stemming from a…

  • Thailand NewsCold spell from China brings cooler temperatures to Thailand

    Cold spell from China brings cooler temperatures to Thailand

    A cold spell from China is bringing cooler temperatures to Thailand, with a decrease of 1-3 degrees Celsius forecasted across the country. The 24-hour weather forecast indicates that this high-pressure system or cold mass of air is spreading over northern Thailand and the South China Sea, resulting in colder temperatures and strong winds, particularly in the north and northeast of…

  • Thailand NewsEscalating monkey population in Phetchaburi prompts collaborative resolution

    Escalating monkey population in Phetchaburi prompts collaborative resolution

    The escalating monkey population in Phetchaburi has led to a collaboration between the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP) and residents to address the issue. Edwin Week, secretary of the Wildlife Friends Foundation, Suraphon Nakhon Nakhon, President of Phetchaburi Future Organization, and a veterinarian from the DNP, along with monks and locals affected by the problem, gathered for…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai teacher dismissed over student lunch programme mismanagement

    Chiang Mai teacher dismissed over student lunch programme mismanagement

    Chaiyot Suktor, a senior professional level teacher (K3) at Yangpao School in Omkoi, Chiang Mai, has been dismissed from the civil service following allegations of corruption by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Chaiyot, identified as the fourth accused, is allegedly guilty of criminal misconduct as an official, accused of performing or neglecting duties without authority. The case centres around Chaiyot,…

  • Thailand NewsThai King and Queen gear up for 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

    Thai King and Queen gear up for 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

    The Thai King and Queen participated in today’s international sailing competition training in Phuket, joining the THA72 team in the IRC Zero category. The event took place today, December 7, at 7.42am at Kata Beach. His Majesty the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and his wife Queen Suthida were preparing for the 35th Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, a prestigious international…

  • Thailand NewsInfant boy found abandoned in community rubbish bin in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Infant boy found abandoned in community rubbish bin in Nakhon Ratchasima

    An infant boy was discovered abandoned in a community rubbish bin, rescued by locals who heard his cries. Previously, a deceased infant was found discarded in the same area. Today, Police Lieutenant Colonel Saichon Sawangpop, Deputy Chief of Crime Prevention at the Mueang District Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima, received a report from a good Samaritan about the abandoned infant…

  • Thailand NewsHeartless teenage thief leaves double amputee legless in Phatthalung

    Heartless teenage thief leaves double amputee legless in Phatthalung

    In Phatthalung province, a 63 year old double amputee who is a resident of the village of Talenoi in Khuan Khanun district had her money stolen, which was meant for her prosthetic legs appointment on December 26. Nuuray, known as Aunt Pong, underwent double leg amputation due to diabetes, first in 2021 and then in 2023. When her wounds healed,…

  • Thailand NewsOver 2,500 debtors in Nakhon Ratchasima seek resolution for 195 million baht informal debts

    Over 2,500 debtors in Nakhon Ratchasima seek resolution for 195 million baht informal debts

    Over 2,500 debtors in Nakhon Ratchasima have registered for assistance in resolving their informal debts, amassing a total debt of 195 million baht. The highest number of registrations came from the Mueang district. The scene at the registration point in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district was bustling with both debtors and creditors seeking to register for state assistance in addressing their…

  • Thailand NewsThai farmer turns backyard into mussel farm, earning 400 baht daily

    Thai farmer turns backyard into mussel farm, earning 400 baht daily

    A farmer in Nakhon Ratchasima has turned a hollow behind his house into a lucrative freshwater mussel farm. The mussels, which are large, fresh, and clean, have found a ready market, with customers even purchasing directly from the mussel farm. With an average daily income of 400 baht, the farmer is gearing up to expand his mussel farming operations. A…

  • Thailand NewsThai police dismantle illegal cosmetics factory in shocking raid

    Thai police dismantle illegal cosmetics factory in shocking raid

    An illegal lotion and shower cream operation was dismantled by Thai police today. The clandestine factory, operating from a residential house, was found to be mixing products in appalling conditions, shockingly different from the sanitised images shared on social media. The authorities arrested the 63 year old owner, Thitiwat, for selling unregistered cosmetics and products without Thai-language labels, violating the…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesRising waves and heavy rain batter Thailand’s south east coast

    Rising waves and heavy rain batter Thailand’s south east coast

    Torrential rains have battered the southern eastern coast of Thailand, particularly in the Pattani Narathiwat region. The inclement weather has resulted in high waves in the Gulf of Thailand, rising to 3 metres. Fishermen have been warned to exercise extreme caution. Reporters from Songkhla province noted that the sky has been heavily overcast with sporadic thunderstorms. Heavy rain persisted throughout…

  • Thailand NewsChai Nat: Thai police chief orders arrest of loan shark at somtum restaurant

    Chai Nat: Thai police chief orders arrest of loan shark at somtum restaurant

    The National Police Chief ordered the arrest of two people linked to a debt collection gang, who vandalised a somtum restaurant in Chai Nat province. The owner of the establishment had registered to resolve her informal debts, leading to repercussions from the loan sharks. This event has led to wider investigations targeting loan sharks and other offenders involved in informal…

  • Thailand NewsSurge in gold prices today as announced by Gold Traders Association

    Surge in gold prices today as announced by Gold Traders Association

    The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a surge in gold prices today, after a significant drop. As of today, December 7, the gold bullion was sold for 34,300 baht per baht, showing a 100 baht increase compared to the closing price yesterday. According to the GTA’s website, as of 9.04am local time, the selling rate for 96.5% gold bar was…

  • Road deathsLorry crash in Pathum Thani injures 15 Burmese workers

    Lorry crash in Pathum Thani injures 15 Burmese workers

    A lorry carrying 15 Burmese workers collided with a container truck in Pathum Thani province, injuring all the passengers. The incident occurred around 6am today. The Isuzu pickup truck, driven by an unidentified man, lost control and crashed into the container truck, leading to multiple casualties. According to the initial investigation by Warut Poomsak, a duty officer at the Khlong…

  • Thailand NewsPop goes the drama: Wat Arun scoops up Love Destiny flavoured 3D ice cream

    Pop goes the drama: Wat Arun scoops up Love Destiny flavoured 3D ice cream

    Social media has been abuzz lately with the newest delicacy at Wat Arun, the Arun Amarin temple, which is a Bangkok landmark. The Pop Icon 3D Ice Cream, a Thai and foreigner favourite, has now been reinvented into two new flavours, highlighting Thai culture and the historical drama, Love Destiny, or Prom Likit. The latest innovation from Pop Icon is…

  • World NewsTaiwanese idol Gan Lian Mei’s cheeky strip show goes viral after Chinese baseball victory (video)

    Taiwanese idol Gan Lian Mei’s cheeky strip show goes viral after Chinese baseball victory (video)

    In a scene that left spectators astounded, the sexy net idol Gan Lian Mei, living up to her promise, performed a strip show on the sidelines of a triumphant national baseball match. The act quickly became a viral video, amassing over 700,000 views and garnering more than 15,000 likes. Gan Lian Mei, a popular Taiwanese net idol, had pledged to…

  • Thailand NewsBus crash victims in Thailand can claim up to 500,000 baht

    Bus crash victims in Thailand can claim up to 500,000 baht

    A devastating accident involving a public passenger bus travelling from Bangkok to Nathawi, operated by Srisiam Tour Company Limited, resulted in the tragic loss of 14 lives and left 35 injured. The incident occurred on Petchkasem Road, between kilometres 331 and 332, in Huay Yang, Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan yesterday. The Consumer Organisation Council clarified the rights of those…

  • Thailand NewsVeggie vendetta: Foreign workers in hot water for dumpster diversions in Thai market

    Veggie vendetta: Foreign workers in hot water for dumpster diversions in Thai market

    A group of foreign workers sparked controversy after being accused of selling vegetables picked from dustbins in a local Thai market. The incident prompted calls for the authorities to investigate whether these actions contravene the law. The issue, widely debated on social media, emerged when a Facebook user exposed the problem by sharing pictures along with a caption that questioned…

  • Crime NewsThai man brutally murdered over eucalyptus tree dispute

    Thai man brutally murdered over eucalyptus tree dispute

    A 61 year old man met a brutal end as a result of a long-standing dispute over a eucalyptus tree, with a neighbour assaulting him with a hoe, causing fatal skull fractures. The 60 year old assailant surrendered himself to police today. The tragedy unfolded on a public road in the rural village of Kudchum, Yasothon Province. On arrival at…

  • Thailand NewsRoi Et: Pickup truck’s fatal crash was fatigue-induced

    Roi Et: Pickup truck’s fatal crash was fatigue-induced

    A fatal crash involving a pickup truck occurred yesterday on Route 202, in Suwannaphum District, Roi Et Province, where a family was travelling back from a relative’s ordination ceremony. The 51 year old driver, Suriya, who was behind the wheel of the pickup truck, briefly fell asleep, which resulted in a fatal accident that claimed the life of his 72…

  • Thailand NewsUpdate: Thai woman offers free accommodation to bus crash victims

    Update: Thai woman offers free accommodation to bus crash victims

    The devastating bus crash that claimed 14 lives in Thailand moved a local woman to offer free accommodation to the victims’ relatives. Thitinun Iamtua, also known as Nan, who hails from Huai Yang, was at the scene of the bus crash where she found a terrified young girl, Mali, who had been separated from her mother. Nan explained that when…

  • Road deathsFatal car accident ignites fire in Ratchaburi: Driver unidentified

    Fatal car accident ignites fire in Ratchaburi: Driver unidentified

    A fatal incident claimed the life of a driver in Ratchaburi when his car collided with a bridge’s pier, igniting a fierce fire that could not be controlled in time. The horrifying event occurred around 2.40am today, on the Phetkasem inbound road in front of an industrial estate in Don Sai Subdistrict, Photharam District. The vehicle involved was an MG5…

  • Thailand NewsRise in meningitis cases sparks health concerns in Thailand ahead of new year

    Rise in meningitis cases sparks health concerns in Thailand ahead of new year

    Thailand has recorded nearly 100 cases of meningitis, also known as swine fever, this year, resulting in four fatalities in Nakhon Ratchasima. The disease, caused by a bacterium found in raw pork and blood, is raising concerns as festivities for the new year approaches. Dr Thaweechai Wisanuyotin, Director of the Disease Prevention and Control Office, revealed that between January 1…

  • Thailand NewsDrastic drop in Thai gold prices today following recent surge

    Drastic drop in Thai gold prices today following recent surge

    Gold prices in Thailand have plummeted drastically today following a continuous surge, according to the Gold Traders Association. The price of gold ornaments fell by 250 baht compared to the last price yesterday, selling at 34,450 baht per baht-weight. The buying price of gold bars in the country stands at 33,850 baht per baht-weight and the selling price is 33,950…